4-Core Copper XLPE Electric Power Cable
1. Appearance
4-core copper conductor cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) power cables are typically cylindrical in shape, covered in a black or gray sheath (such as PVC or low-smoke, halogen-free material). The surface is smooth and flexible. The sheath may be printed with the model number, specification, voltage rating (such as 0.6/1kV), and manufacturer information. Internally, they consist of four independent copper conductors, each made of multiple strands of fine copper wire, covered with XLPE insulation. Non-woven fabric or flame-retardant material may be used to maintain spacing between the conductors. Some models, such as armored cables, incorporate steel tape or wire layers within the sheath for enhanced mechanical protection.
2. Material Composition
Conductor: Made of high-purity oxygen-free copper (OFC), it offers excellent electrical conductivity and low resistivity, ensuring efficient power transmission. Insulation: The core material is XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene). Through chemical or physical methods, the polyethylene molecular chains form a three-dimensional network structure, significantly improving heat resistance (long-term operating temperatures up to 90°C), aging resistance, and electrical insulation performance.
Sheath: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) materials are commonly used. PVC is low-cost and chemically resistant; LSZH releases no toxic gases when burned, meeting environmental requirements.
Supplementary Materials: The armor layer (steel tape/wire) provides mechanical impact resistance; fillers (such as fiberglass rope) maintain cable roundness; and flame-retardant tape enhances fire resistance.
3. Advantages
Excellent Electrical Performance: The XLPE insulation layer has a stable dielectric constant and strong voltage surge resistance, making it suitable for medium and low voltage distribution systems (≤35kV) and reducing power loss.
High Mechanical Strength: The copper conductor has a tensile strength of 200-250MPa, and the XLPE insulation layer exhibits excellent tear resistance, capable of withstanding bending, stretching, and external compression during installation.
Wide Environmental Adaptability:
Temperature Resistance: -40°C to 90°C, suitable for extreme climates.
Chemical Corrosion Resistance: XLPE offers excellent resistance to chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and salts, making it suitable for use in industrially polluted areas.
Waterproof and Moisture-Proof: The sheath material offers a strong seal, allowing for underground or submerged installation.
Outstanding Safety:
Flame Retardant: Complies with IEC 60332 standards, offering a low flame spread rate, reducing fire risks.
Low Smoke and Non-Toxic: LSZH sheathing offers low smoke density during combustion and releases no halogenated hydrogen gas, ensuring safe evacuation.
Easy Installation: The cable is lightweight (approximately 40% lighter than paper-insulated cable) and has a small bend radius, making it easy to install in confined spaces or complex pipelines.
4. Application Scenarios
Industrial:
Factory Power Distribution Systems: Provide stable power to motors, lighting, and automation equipment.
Petrochemical: Corrosion resistance makes it suitable for corrosive environments such as refineries and chemical plants. Building Industry:
Commercial Complexes: Vertically installed in shafts of high-rise buildings to meet large-capacity power supply needs.
Underground Parking: Armored cables withstand vehicle impact and ensure long-term reliable operation.
Infrastructure:
Rail Transit: Installed in subway tunnels, vibration and moisture resistance ensure driving safety.
New Energy: Wind farm and photovoltaic power station collector lines, suitable for harsh outdoor environments.
Special Applications:
Mining Operations: Low-smoke, halogen-free cables reduce the risk of toxic gases in fires.
Marine Power: Salt spray and vibration resistance meet the requirements of offshore platforms.
5. Precautions
Storage and Transportation:
Avoid contact with acids, alkalis, and organic solvents to prevent sheath corrosion.
Maintain warehouse temperature between 5°C and 30°C, relative humidity ≤ 75%, and avoid direct sunlight that may cause insulation degradation.
Installation Specifications:
Bend radius ≥ 15 times the cable's outer diameter to prevent damage to internal structures.
Armored cables must be reliably grounded to prevent induced voltage that could endanger personnel.
Operation and Maintenance:
Regularly inspect the sheath integrity and promptly repair any damage. The load current should not exceed 80% of the rated value to prevent overheating and accelerated insulation aging.
Key Selection Points:
Select the sheath material based on the ambient temperature (XLPE/PVC composite sheath is preferred for high-temperature environments).
For humid locations, use water-blocking cables to prevent moisture from penetrating the conductors.
4 Cores Copper XLPE Electric Power Cable
Standard: IEC 60502
Rated Voltage: 0.6/1kV
Conductors: Class 2 stranded plain copper / aluminum as per IEC 60228
Insulation: XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
Colours: Blue, Brown, Red, White & Yellow
Sheath/Jacket: PVC (Polyvinyl-Chloride)
Operating temperature: Maximum 90°C, minimum bending 0°C
Certificates: Third party test reports
Others: Fire cable and other property Low Voltage Power Cable can be available
Applications: Those LV Power Cables used for electricity supply in fixed installation, power networks,underground and in cable ducting where where mechanical damages are not to be expected.
BDK is a leading Electrical Cable, Electric Power Cable manufacture, the annual turnover reach USD 0.3 billion.We are the qualified supplier of State Power Grid, China Southern Power Grid and Vanke Group, Country Garden,ect and other large, medium partners around the world.
